Challenge Me

C H A P T E R S I X

Hermione Granger

"Hermione! What the bloody hell was that!?" I couldn't deal with Ginny right now, I, myself, didn't even know what was happening. Or what just happened for that matter.

"Not now Ginny, I can't do this right now." I gathered my now loose hair into my small hands and began striding inside. My mind was racing and I couldn't get a single thought it, why would he have just done that? And why didn't I pull away?

This was just all too confusing, I couldn't handle this. I needed to find him and get answers before anything is spread, can you imagine the headlines in tomorrow's Daily Prophet? "Famous Hermione Granger found with her tongue stuck down notorious Death Eater Draco Malfoy." Skeeter is going to have a field day, what a nightmare!

I'd rather fight the Dark Lord all over again then deal with this. Hermione, get yourself together, it isn't the end of the world. I shook my head and mumbled a few apologies whilst pushing past people, by now I had made it into the large venue and past the group of meddling witches and wizards.

I could feel people's eyes on me as I darted into the kitchen, pulling the door closed behind my frame. I looked at the familiar startled face of Ronald Weasley, I gave him a false smile signalling that everything was fine. I needed to get out of here, I can't stay here, I just made-out with Draco Malfoy! The worst part was... I think I enjoyed it...

How could I even live with myself after admitting that?

I pulled my wand out of my shoe and gave another smile to Ron as I apparated home, just as a determined Ginny burst into the small area. Not a moment later I felt my feet hit the hardwood of my apartment, I looked around and was instantly relieved that I was finally alone with my thoughts.

I needed to sort this out but for now, my body was too exhausted to even move. I changed my clothes and prepared myself for bed, today had been a long day and I need some rest. I pulled the covers back and got under the comfort of my warm blanket, leaning over to my side table I grabbed my trusty book of "Wuthering Heights." I can always trust Emily Brontë to restore my mind, I tapped my wand and instantly the room dimmed. I snuggled back into my bed and read until my eyes stung, too drawn into the world of Heathcliff and Catherine.

My eyes shot open at the startling sound of my alarm, I shot up out of bed and was instantly greeted with the unimpressed face of my best friend. The sun shone through my window and hit her red hair, making it appear a fiery orange. I brought my hand up to my forehead and rested it up there, mentally scalding Ginny for watching me as I slept.

"How long have you been here?" My voice was raspy and my eyes were wincing as they adjusted to the new-found light. I was a picture.

"Long enough to get bored. Get up, I know you don't have work today and we need to talk." I mumbled a no and was about to lay back down until I felt a small grasp pull me upwards, I was instantly on my feet. I watched as long red hair left my room and a loud "if I don't get ready she would hex me into next Tuesday." On second thought, that wouldn't be so bad. That means I didn't need to think about Malfoy and my poor life choices until a few more days.

I groaned as I dragged my feet across my soft carpeted floor, heaving my frame into the bathroom. I closed the door behind me and slowly made my way over to the mirror, I grimaced at the sight of the stranger staring at me.

Hair was mattered in different directions, last night's eye-liner was streaked down both cheeks and the bags under the eyes took up the majority of the girls face. I sighed as I turned the tap on and filled my hands with cool water, I brought my cupped hands up to my flushed face and poured the liquid over myself.

Once I had washed my face of the mess and cleaned my underarms, I then moisturised and began to brush my teeth. Walking out of the bathroom back into my room, I continued brushing my teeth as I searched for an outfit to wear.

After deciding on a cute yellow summer dress and some boots, I took notice of the burning in my mouth and quickly hurried to the bathroom. After rinsing my mouth and checking my appearance once again, I changed into my clothing items, grabbed my wand and headed into the living room where I'm sure Ginny was.

Not a moment after I entered the room, I was met with a strong cup of coffee and a muffin. I gave my best friend a grateful look and proceeded to place a chunk of muffin into my mouth, noting the loud growl my stomach let out.

I brought the cup up to my lips, swallowing the contents. My eyes stayed on Ginny as she began doing a few dishes I had failed to wash up the night before, she always cleaned when she was pondering.

I was dreading the conversation that was about to take place but I knew it had to happen, I just wasn't expecting it to be so soon. I was hoping I could avoid this just until I was certain of the situation myself, unfortunately for me, Ginny had other plans.

Like a hawk, Ginny's head whipped around and her bright blue eyes pierced into my chocolate brown ones, I watched her lips move as she said the sentence I didn't want to hear.

"Why didn't you stop Malfoy from kissing you?"